Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a charming and compact city that is fun for families to explore on foot. Although most people speak English, the city maintains a distinctly European feel. Here are five things to do in Copenhagen with kids.
Nyhavn (New Harbour) in Copenhagen, Denmark
Visit the Little Mermaid
There are many tributes in Copenhagen to Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish fairy tale writer author who spent most of his adult life in the city. Best known is the Little Mermaid sculpture, which sits in Copenhagen Harbour and was gifted to the city by Danish brewer, Carl Jacobsen. The famed bronze and granite sculpture recently celebrated its 100th birthday.
If you are planning to pay the world’s most famous mermaid a visit, then be sure to address expectations beforehand to avoid disappointment. Chances are the statue is much smaller than children envision and the Little Mermaid definitely doesn’t look like Ariel in the Disney version of the classic fairy tale. I had warned my then 6-year-old daughter and she did not mind the statues diminuitive size; she was just excited to pose for a photo with the mermaid. You can see the Little Mermaid either by land or from the water. We did both, stopping by to take photos with the sculpture during a Hop On Hop Off (HoHo) bus tour of the city. The following day we visited the statue during a canal cruise. This provided an interesting vantage point of all the tourists on shore taking photos of the tourist attraction.
My 6 year-old meets the Little Mermaid (Photo credit: L. Goodmurphy)
Play at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens on a rainy day
Set Sail on a Canal Cruise
Copenhagen canal cruise
Explore Danish Castles and Palaces
Royal Copenhagen
Kronborg Castle, just north of Copenhagen in Elsinore, is known around the world as Hamlet’s Castle. Take a peek at Denmark’s crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle. The King’s Gardens at Rosenborg are one of the loveliest places in the city to relax, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic. The Royal Stables, Queen’s Tapestries and a history of Denmark are open to the public at Christiansborg Palace.
Shopping Strøget on a rainy day in Copenhagen with kids
About Lisa Goodmurphy, The Spunky Travel Mama
I used to travel to Copenhagen all the time for work, but I never thought of going back there with my daughter. Thanks for the suggestions. I hear they also have great family beaches.
You and your daughter would have a great time in Copenhagen, Jody! Everyone in my family agrees that we would like to return to spend a few more days here. I didn’t know about the beaches – but then the weather was a bit cool and rainy when we were there. That’s something to keep in mind for the next time!!
Haven’t been here for years, and the last time I did, we didn’t have kids yet. But I have often thought it would be great fun to bring them – great pics btw
Plenty of things to do and visit in Copenhagen with or without kids! Is a beautiful city! Thank you for sharing your impressions!
Haha cute Kid and the pictures are representing true Copenhagen, Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to do ALL of those things!!
Oh, the Little Mermaid! I understand it’s small, but would be a priority for me in Copenhagen.
Great post and highlights Lisa. There are so many wonderful attractions, landmarks and fun neighborhoods to visit in Copenhagen. Here are some of my favorite hangout spots and places that I’ve enjoyed visiting. http://travelphotodiscovery.com/20-top-attractions-in-copenhagen
amazing blog about Copenhagen! I am a big fan of Denmark but did not learn about this city. Now I have to add it on my bucket list…